Orientation of salamanders during breeding migration

The orientation of salamanders was studied from March 26, 1978, to April 12, 1978 at Ball State University's Ginn's Woods, located approximately 11 miles north and 3 miles west of Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana. The purpose of the study was to obtain information on the orientation of salamanders during the migration to the breeding pond, specifically to determine the direction taken by the animal when it is intercepted on its way to the breeding pond and moved to a different location with respect to the pond.Fifty-six specimens of four species of salamanders were collected, displaced, and observed in the field. The direction in which they moved was indicated by a length of cotton string by which the animal was tethered. Regardless of the area of collection or the area of release, a high percentage of the animals headed toward the pond upon release.